I am fortunate to have the opportunity to visit and consult with pet boarding and daycare facilities across this great nation of ours. I am continually amazed and impressed by the great people that I meet (facility owners, managers, and staff). I’m equally impressed by the creativity and wide range of offerings that they construct to serve their clients. Large or small, indoor or outdoor, high end or simple, the successful facilities always share an overriding theme. They do what they do “for the love of dogs.”

I thought it would be beneficial to share some of my observations and unique perspective regarding how some have gone about accomplishing this. Where it is appropriate, I will offer suggestions on how artificial grass can be included to increase effectiveness.

Create a Comfortable and Safe Environment
Make your facility warm and inviting – a place where the dogs just can’t wait to get to and are often reluctant to leave. We all have stressors in our lives, and dog daycare or boarding does not need to be one of them. While the dog’s reaction and response is vitally important, you need to make sure your facility also appeals to the person paying the bill.

I have found that the most effective establishments create an environment that is a “home away from home” or even an upscale alternative. The peace of mind your clientele associates with your offering is the X factor that keeps them coming back.

I contend the X factor can be significantly increased or decreased by altering three physical components of the facility: the outside (typically the front) of the building, the lobby or reception area, and the areas where the dogs spend most of their time (play, potty, and stay areas).

The Outside

This is the place where first impressions are made. Keep the area clean and inviting. I have seen facilities that appear nice from a distance but reveal the dogs are accustomed to “taking care of business” wherever they desire. This typically happens upon arrival, but it is also a frequent occurrence on the way out (before and after a car ride). Even if I do not witness the act, the evidence (dead grass spots, dead plants, odor, feces in many places, etc.) is undeniable and can create an unsightly and uncleanly impression.

A well-defined and easy-to-access potty area utilizing artificial grass can be set up for the dogs to use prior to entry and upon exit. This tells the customers that it is okay for the dogs to relieve themselves prior to coming in, and when they do, this is where to do it. Encourage clients to pick up after themselves, but you should also encourage staff to keep an eye on this area. First impressions go a long way. Make sure the artificial grass that you use is designed and installed specifically for that purpose.

There are often other opportunities to utilize artificial grass products designed for “landscape” use. I can tell you from personal experience that we did a project for Disney and found out later from a high-level executive that their ground crew watered for two weeks after installation, thinking it was real grass. Creating a landscape frontage utilizing one of these products can be great looking, low maintenance component to a green and inviting landscape.

The Reception (Lobby) Area
Keeping the lobby neat and clean is always a great idea, but it is never a replacement for the staff making it warm and inviting. I can always tell when the operating principle is “For the Love of Dogs,” because the staff engages both the dog and dog owner in a friendly and comforting manner. This is a brief “touch point” that sets the tone for everything that is to follow.

Now that the importance of staff has been properly prioritized, I want to touch on other opportunities to enhance the reception area by creatively using artificial grass. It is a difference-maker when someone walks into your facility and is greeted by this comfortable atmosphere rather than cold hard concrete or rubberized floor. It is even more of a difference-maker when they consider what you offer in comparison to the facility up the street. Artificial grass can be incorporated for aesthetic purposes, or it can be set up in more functional ways. Facilities with limited outdoor space may even consider an indoor lobby potty area. A knowledgeable consultant will be able to guide you to meet your specific needs.

The lobby/reception area is a great place to share information with your guests. If you have incorporated artificial grass into your facility, this is a fantastic place to inform why. Educate your customers regarding the many advantages that exist for their pets. Some folks even go as far as putting up a display with actual product and installation samples. Others keep it simple and utilize a plaque or sign on the wall or counter that provides key information about the benefits of the grass.

Play, Potty, and Stay Areas
These areas have been discussed in the previous three editions of Pet Boarding & Daycare magazine. If you have not had the opportunity to read them, it is not too late. You can request hard copies or look at the online versions (January/February 2013 – Artificial Grass for Dogs, March/April 2013 – Artificial Grass: Outdoor Use, May/June 2013 – Artificial Grass: Indoor Use).

Artificial grass, specifically designed for dogs and properly installed, can solve problems most dog boarding and daycare facilities did not know they could solve. Functionally, it can reduce maintenance, keep dogs and facilities cleaner, reduce stress on dogs’ joints, and make your facility warm and inviting. This can be done both indoors and outdoors. It can be used to “soften” cages, replace muddy or dusty areas, set up for specific potty area, and cover as much of your facility as you would like.

The more you learn about artificial grass, I am confident the more you will realize this is not some frivolous product that is a “nice to have.” It is an asset that has many benefits and sets you apart from the competition. I recommend you take the time to understand and quantify the advantages that apply to you, and trust me – the dogs and their owners will know that deep down you did it “for the love of dogs!”

In addition to the aesthetic benefits, selecting the right artificial grass product (designed specifically for dogs) and having it properly installed and integrated provides a safe and durable surface that dogs really enjoy. It will speak volumes in regards to your passion for and “love of dogs.”

Feedback that I have personally received from owners of facilities across the nation confirms that artificial grass adds value that is often beyond their client’s wildest expectations. It is a statement of quality and comfort that is an exclamation point to the statement “For the Love of Dogs!” Even if the concept is initially foreign to a customer, the reaction of their pet reinforces the value of this exciting perk. Of course, happier clients equates to more business, more referrals, and ultimately more revenue.

The sky is the limit when combined with informed creativity. Every facility is unique, and original ideas need to be evaluated through the perspective of practical and effective solutions. Doing it right is critical and means starting with a product that is uniquely designed for use with dogs and involving an expert that is also uniquely qualified and experienced in this type of use. The expert’s knowledge must go beyond the product and extend into installation methods tailored to the environment (indoor or outdoor, over concrete or replacing grass, and use (comfort, play, training or potty).

If you have not already done so “for the love of dogs,” find out more about how artificial grass can be used to benefit your offering. Get the facts and find out if it is a fit for you.

Ken Karmie is the K9Grass Brand Manager and part owner of ForeverLawn Incorporated the makers of K9Grass, artificial grass designed specifically for dogs. In addition to his experience with K9Grass, he also has extensive knowledge and experience with artificial grass for sport fields, playgrounds, landscape, rooftops, golf greens and other specific markets. Ken received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Mount Union College and spent 20 years working in the technology field before joining brothers Dale, Brian and Jim at ForeverLawn Inc. Ken designs artificial grass and related products, installation systems, maintenance programs and has worked in the synthetic grass field for over 9 years. Ken currently has two patents pending related to Indoor K9Grass design and Flushing System. Ken has also been invited to speak at various conferences and seminars regarding aspects of artificial grass use with dogs.

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